MS Subjects

A Master of Science degree, abbreviated both as MS or MSc (depending on the location), is a technically oriented degree offered across not only in core scientific disciplines, for instance, STEM courses but also in the fields of Social Sciences & Humanities like Psychology. Unlike, the Master of Arts degrees, study of MS subjects primarily consists of scientific inquiry, explanation and analysis. It is important to note that in 2016, a controversy (the Telegraph India) erupted in India about the nomenclature adopted by Indian institutions for the Master of Science and Master of Surgery degrees resulting in severe confusion amongst students and professors alike. Read on to know more about the differences between an MS and MSc, a summarised list of MS subjects offered around the world and other relevant details.

MS vs MSc

Before understanding the varied MS subjects, let’s first understand varied abbreviated terms used for Master of Science degrees. In particular, both ‘MS’ and ‘MSc’ degrees expand into ‘Master of Science’ and the difference arises only on the location of the degree offered. 

• MS: Used predominantly in the USA.
• MSc: Locations other than the USA,i.e, UK, Europe etc.
• MSci: Offered especially in the UK. This is not a master’s level degree program but combines both bachelor’s and master’s level coursework.
• SM: Latin abbreviation for Scientiae Magister which translates into Master of Science.

Furthermore, students may find it confusing whether to choose between, for instance, a Master of Engineering (MEng) and Master of Science in Engineering (MSc Engineering) and other such degree combinations. To differentiate, the MSc in Engineering is a professionally-oriented course whereas the MS in Engineering program inclines more toward research and academic inquiry. Students hoping to enter research and PhD must go for the latter.

MS Subjects: Categories & Courses

As mentioned above, MS subjects fall into two distinct categories, the first one concerning multifarious branches of science such as Physics, Technology, Mathematics etc along with Social Sciences as well as sub-fields of economics, psychology and so forth. Take a look at the following table to have an idea of the types of MS subjects (includes both MS and MSc degrees).

MSc Psychology	MSc Mathematics	MSc Biotechnology
MSc Environmental Science	MSc Biochemistry	MSc Bioinformatics
MSc Forensic Science	MSc in Geology	MSc IT
MSc Clinical Psychology	MSc Statistics	MSc Geography
MSc Zoology	Masters in Machine Learning	MS in Computer Science
MS Engineering	MS Operations Research	MS Management Information Systems
MSc Physics	MS Civil Engineering	MS Data Science
MS Automotive Engineering	MSc Technology	MSc Electronics

Note: This list is only for indicative purposes and will be updated periodically. 

Eligibility, Admission & Application

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A wide range of specialisations are offered under this degree amongst the course offerings of leading MSc Colleges spread across USA, UK and Europe amongst others. Prospective applicants must especially consider masters courses in Germany, for instance, TU Munich, owing to the variety of MS subjects offered as well as the globally-recognised curriculum focusing on technological research and development. Generally, the application process is conducted typically in two cycles, namely, fall/autumn (Sept-Jan) for courses starting in September next year and spring (Jan-May) for courses starting in March onwards. Furthermore, in order to study abroad at master’s level, students must possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of interest from an accredited college/university. Application materials to be submitted at the time of application includes GRE/GMAT and IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores, statement of purpose (SOP) and letters of recommendation (LORs), amongst others.

If you want to know more on courses, destinations and the application procedure, read our blogs on:

• MS in UK
• Masters in New Zealand
• Masters in Australia
• MS in France
• MS in Computer Science in Canada
• Universities In USA For MS
• MSc Nursing in Canada
• Universities In Canada For MS
• MSc Distance Education
• MS in Civil Engineering in Canada
• MBA vs MS
• Branches in MSc Physics
• SOP for MS in Data Science
• Scholarships For MS In USA

Choosing to pursue a degree across a multitude of MS subjects is a difficult decision to make, especially when considered alongside the suitability for the course, career prospects offered etc. It is important to realise that the course you have chosen should align with your interests and aspirations and not based on the suggestions of your peers. The AI algorithm at Leverage Edu aims to do just that by suggesting you universities based on your personalised abilities and future goals thereby helping you take a step towards the right direction.